|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271 |
OK... after two weeks of messing around and pulling my hair out with my out-dated MIDI gear that I haven't used in so long, but have the urge to start up again, I'm ready to throw in the towel and start looking at more up to date equipment. Keep in mind that I'm not looking to spend a fortune... I'm a guy who just likes to mess around with Country music for my own pleasure - and of course, my family think it's great. I have been looking , pricing stuff from our local music store here in Montreal (Steve's Music Store) after doing a lot of research on different things on the Web and have come up with these products. I am also a new user of BIAB and RealBand UltraPack and so far I have been making great strides with them.
Any comments on my search findings would be appreciated - would it be suitable for what I want to do with it?
Software:
Native Instruments Absynth 4
MIDI Controller (I've been looking at 2 of them:
E-MU Xboard 2
OR
E-MU Xboard 49 (for $30.00 more than the above)
I'm running Win XP Pro, Intel 3gig dual core prossessor, loads of memory and a Audigy Platinum sound card.
Thanks...
Bobby
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Check out the Ketron SD2 module. I believe Mac (member here) is a distributor of that product. He also owns one and has had some experience using it with the PG Products.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Ok, in order:
1. Nothing wrong with your JV1010, it just works and is easier in many respects to the SD2, I have both colline.
2. A good small mixer if you don't have one. Mackie is top end, Behringher is what I have. I also have a powered mixer from Behringher, but don't know your setup.
3. The Dxi synth or the Forte synth are both pretty good, not Ketron quality, but on par at times with the JV1010.
4. The sky's the limit, you need to describe your objective, and go from there.
5. Tell us what instruments you play, and who's music you want to do? Yours, or covers..?? Tex Lecor? Frigidaire? Johnny Paycheck? Tommy Hunter? iyou ca se peut ...attendez....um um Johnny Cash....Brad Paisley? Is la poubelle still open? I was there, Montreal, worked at expo 67, terre des hommes 68, lived in Verdun, puis, Mont Laurier, puis Rouyen, la baie James...non all that is made up I never was there. Leduc, ou Dugay, eh bien, lache pas la patate....
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271 |
Wow John... your French is way better than mine... and I've lived here for all of my 53 years. Back then French wasn't such a big deal like it is today. I spent a lot of time at Expo 67... I was 11 years old during that time.
I play rhythm acustic guitar and I sing. I worked in clubs around here for over 35 years, doing Country and some old rock and roll... I started very young, much to my mother's dismay... heh... The last band I worked with had quite a following. We worked in one club for almost 10 years - almost unheard of for local bands.
I do covers of old Country music from the 60's 70's and 80's - all the classic, pure Country stuff - George Jones (the best damn Country singer of all time), Buck Owens, Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard - along those lines. I have also written a few songs. One of them was used as background music in an episode of an old Canadian produced TV show called "The Rez". It played for 1:32 minutes in a bar scene. It also gets air time on a local radio station here. On average, it gets played once every other week. I was the only musician around here collecting royalty checks. By far not enough to retire on... but at least I had bragging rights... heh Thus, this is the kind of stuff I do - old Country classics.
As for the JV1010... whether it still works or not... I'm not interested in using it anymore (hello eBay???). I want to get "modern" stuff now. But like I said... I don't want to spend a fortune - I'm not a pro... it is only for my own pleasure now.
The Native Instruments Absynth 4 is going for $240 at Steve's. The usb controllers are going for $170 - $200. I kind of like the idea of the smallness of the E-MU Xboard 25 - Not because it's $30 cheaper than theE-MU Xboard 49 - I just don't think I need a 49 key as I'm just a "hunt and peck" keyboard player. And so all this stuff would be around $500 - and so I'll be completely set up for about $1,000 when you factor in BIAB/RB. I wouldn't want to go above this, considering what I'm doing with it.
As for finalizing my decision about all of this... It won't be a done deal for 2 weeks... I'm off to somewhere sunny and warm where I'll be basking on the beach this afternoon... can't wait!!!
Thanks for your much valued and appreciated input... and I'm hoping that I'll get plenty more before I take the leap.
Bobby
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
In my opinion since you're just getting back into things you don't need the Absynth. Biab with Real Band will do it all for you and the Country Real Tracks with the Nashville Drums are simply the best. Instead of the Absynth, look into picking up a midi guitar. With one of those you may not need the keyboard controller either but I'm a keyboard player, the guitar guys can advise you on that one.
You're background is almost identical to mine in Calgary in the 70's and 80's. I was with Faye Stevens for 5 years when she was doing her country albums. Jazz was not happening in those days so I became a pretty good 'kicker and I still like it now, like they say, them boys can sure party!
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
Bobby,
My opinion, okay? Absynth is wonderful if you are doing abstract sounds, pads, synth leads etc. If you want a fiddle, or a mandolin, skip it. Secondly, if you aren't a keyboard player, why get a keyboard? You said you're a 'hunt and peck' type player, so, instead of that, why not just use the piano roll feature to 'play' the notes you want, instead of trying to play them on a keyboard? Especially if you're not a good keys player. Now, if you're being self deprecating, and you can play, then a keyboard is the way to go.
Since both Band In A Box and Real Band are still built around the idea of General MIDI, if you decided to get the Absynth, you would need to make sure that it was set up for General MIDI. If you get the Ketron, as suggested earlier, it already is, plus there are patch maps for it already, just drop and go.
The small mixer, the Behringer is a great little mixer, is a good idea, but I would get rid of the Creative card, and get an M-Audio 2496. Won't do 7.1 surround sound when you're fighting the Horde in WOW, but dollar for dollar, nothing does audio as well bang for the buck wise.
All of this, and a good set of powered monitors to listen to the mix, and you're there.
Regards,
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,477
Posts805,492
Members40,126
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean